Tolkien Myths and Legends Hardcover Box Set (2025) $125 | Releases June 10 Preorder at Amazon The Great Tales of Middle-earth Hardcover Box Set (2025) $125 | Releases August 19 Preorder at Amazon See at Amazon (2018 set) J.R.R. Tolkien fans can soon add two display-worthy book box sets to their collection. Tolkien Myths and Legends Box Set, which features lesser-known original works and translations of classic English literature, releases on June 10. It will be followed up on August 19 by new editions of The Great Tales of Middle-earth, which is comprised of the final three prose novels set in Tolkien's iconic fantasy world. The new hardcover box sets feature lavish cover art and display cases. They are considered the fifth and sixth entries in a series of hardcover book box sets that debuted last year with the The History of Middle-earth, which was published by William Morrow in its entirety across four beautiful collections. Tolkien Myths and Legends Hardcover Box Set (2025) $125 | Releases June 10 The Tolkien Myths and Legends Box Set is a unique collection of J.R.R. Tolkien's work, because it doesn't contain stories about Middle-earth. Instead, as the title suggests, it compiles classic myths and legends, two of which were written by the author, while the other two were personal translations of some of his favorite works that inspired him.Like the vast majority of his posthumously published work, these were pieced together and edited by his son, Christopher Tolkien. Each hardcover book comes with a double-sided dust jacket. Just like The History of Middle-earth Box Sets, one side features elaborate artwork, while the other side has a more subdued aesthetic with solid colors. The four books come packaged in an eye-catching display case. Sir Gawain and the Green Knight / Orfeo / Pearl: Translations of a trio of classic epic poems juxtaposed with Tolkien's famous 1953 lecture on Sir Gawain.The Legend of Sigurd and Gudrún: An epic verse poem by Tolkien. It was inspired by classic poetry and Norse mythology. Along with Tolkien's composition, you'll find notes and commentary from Christopher Tolkien.The Fall of Arthur: A narrative poem written by Tolkien that chronicles King Arthur's final days. The book includes extensive notes made by Tolkien while drafting his only Arthurian legend. Fans of The Silmarillion will want to read this one, as it clearly inspired the plot of Tolkien's Arthurian-esque Middle-earth book.Beowulf: One of the most famous--and the oldest known---epic poem of Old English literature, Beowulf has received many translations. Tolkien wrote his translation in 1926 and then circled back later. In addition to the translation of the original poem, this book contains a plethora of commentary by Tolkien himself, which will give readers a glimpse into the mind of Tolkien the scholar.If you're interested in the Myths and Legends Box Set, you should also check out The Collected Poems of J.R.R. Tolkien, a massive three-volume hardcover box that released last fall. The gorgeous box set, which is on sale for nearly 50% off, compiles Tolkien's life's work as a poet and clocks in at over 1,700 pages. Preorder at Amazon The Great Tales of Middle-earth Hardcover Box Set (2025) $125 | Releases August 19 The Great Tales of Middle-earth is a must-read collection for all dedicated fans of The Lord of the Rings. Though understandably not nearly as well-known as The Hobbit, LOTR, or even The Silmarillion, the trio of novels in this set are the final pieces of prose fiction that take place across the author's iconic brilliant fantasy world. All of the stories take place during Middle-earth's First Age, so while written and published later than Tolkien's other books, these are the oldest full-length stories in Middle-earth.The new 2025 hardcover editions come with reversible dust jackets and feature special color plates, pencil drawings, and illustrated maps by Christopher Tolkien and beloved LOTR illustrator Alan Lee.Here are the three books you'll find in the beautiful display case, which features a fire-breathing dragon.The Children of Húrin (2007): Written after The Silmarillion as a standalone prequel story, The Children of Húrin takes place 6,000 years before the events of LOTR. The story follows the cursed son of Húrin, named Túrin, during an era of intense and constant war and widespread devastation caused by the Dark Lord Morgoth. If you've read The Silmarillion, you will recognize some of the names found in this novel.Beren and Lúthien (2017): Another very early tale set in Middle-earth, Beren and Lúthien was reworked and revised over time and eventually became part of The Silmarillion. This compilation of Lúthien and Beren's story was originally published in 2017. It shows the evolution of the love story between the mortal man Beren and immortal elf Lúthien.The Fall of Gondolin (2018): Founded by King Turgon, the eponymous city of elves was concealed for many years before Lord Morgoth's quest to destroy elven life across Middle-earth. The Fall of Gondolin's main protagonist is Túrin's cousin, Tuor, and his family. Tuor is married to Turgon's daughter, Idril. The story follows their attempt to save their child after the Gondolin (unsurprisingly) falls.It's worth noting that The Great Tales of Middle-earth is already available as a hardcover box set. While it won't match Myths and Legends or the four History of Middle-earth Box Sets, the 2018 hardcover collection is on sale for only $50 (was $100) at Amazon. Alternatively, you can purchase each book individually in hardcover or paperback.The Great Tales of Middle-earth Editions:The Great Tales of Middle-earth Hardcover Box Set (2018) (3 Books) -- $50 ($100)The Great Tales of Middle-earth Hardcover Box Set (2025) (3 Books) -- $125 | Releases August 19The Children of Hurin (Paperback) -- $10.70 ($19)The Children of Hurin (Hardcover) -- $14 ($35)Beren and Lúthien (Paperback) -- $13.69 ($19)Beren and Lúthien (Hardcover) -- $22.50 ($35)The Fall of Gondolin (Paperback) -- $11.69 ($19)The Fall of Gondolin (Hardcover) -- $14.41 ($35) Preorder at Amazon See at Amazon (2018 set) The Great Tales of Middle-earth Hardcover Box Set (2018) $50 (was $100) See at Amazon The History of Middle-earth Hardcover Box Sets (2024)J.R.R. Tolkien - The History of Middle-earth Box Sets (2024)The History of Middle-earth Hardcover Box Set 1 (4 Books) -- $63.37 ($125)The History of Middle-earth Hardcover Box Set 2 (3 Books) -- $57.18 ($100)The History of Middle-earth Hardcover Box Set 3 (4 Books) -- $73.60 ($125)The History of Middle-earth Hardcover Box Set 4 (4 Books) -- $68 ($125)The Complete History of Middle-earth Hardcover Box Set (3 Books) -- $138 ($250)The History of Middle-earth Paperback Box Set (5 Books) -- $28 ($50)The History of Middle-earth was originally published over a 14-year stretch from 1983 to 1996. While creating his fantasy world, Tolkien took extensive notes, building a backstory for Middle-earth across three different ages and 6,500-plus years. You could argue that the author's dedication to crafting the setting that would become home to a pair of landmark fantasy novels turned Middle-earth into the most believable character Tolkien created. His mythopoeic writings formed what is commonly referred to as Tolkien's legendarium.At the time of Tolkien's death in 1973, the exhaustive backstory of Middle-earth remained unpublished. Over the next few years, his son and literary executor, Christopher Tolkien, undertook the daunting project of editing, expanding, and curating the legendarium into publishable works. The legendarium would become a 12-volume series titled The History of Middle-earth.Continue Reading at GameSpot

News Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon Exits Early Access, Out Now on Consoles and PC Questline's open-world action RPG is finally complete, but it looks to release patches and modding tools in the coming weeks. Posted By Rashid Sayed | On 24th, May. 2025 After over two years in Steam Early Access, Version 1.0 of Questline’s Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon is now available on PC. It also marks the open-world role-playing game’s release on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. Check out the release trailer below. Based on Arthurian legend, the story unfolds on Avalon, an island that King Arthur and his followers retreated to but is overwhelmed by the Red Death. A strange phenomenon known as the Wyrdness is also spreading, mutating and twisting everything it touches. The player starts in an asylum and escapes, seeking to survive and maybe unravel Avalon’s mysteries. Check out our review for Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon – we gave it a seven out of ten on PS5 due to technical issues. Questline will release “quite a lot” of patches in the coming weeks to address bugs. However, it’s also looking to share the first modding tools in “about a month,” with more to follow later. A build for Steam Deck with improved performance is also in the works, and the developer is also interested in additional content, though it’s still TBD. Tagged With: Elden Ring: Nightreign Publisher:Bandai Namco Developer:FromSoftware Platforms:PS5, Xbox Series X, PS4, Xbox One, PCView More Borderlands 4 Publisher:2K Developer:Gearbox Entertainment Platforms:PS5, Xbox Series X, PCView More Death Stranding 2: On the Beach Publisher:Sony Developer:Kojima Productions Platforms:PS5View More Amazing Articles You Might Want To Check Out! Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon Exits Early Access, Out Now on Consoles and PC Questline's open-world action RPG is finally complete, but it looks to release patches and modding tools in th... Starfield PS5 Announcement Coming This Year, Could Launch Shortly After – Rumor The 2023 sci-fi role-playing game was allegedly slated to launch for Sony's console alongside Shattered Space,... Gears of War: Reloaded Beta Listing Appears on SteamDB The beta could be used to test multiplayer and may be announced in the coming weeks. The full game launches on... Splitgate 2 Open Beta is Now Live The portal-focused free-to-play shooter offers nine maps, three modes, a map creator, the beta battle pass, an... 2K is Getting Ready for a BioShock-Related Announcement “Fairly Soon” – Rumour There are no details about whether this announcement will have to do with the upcoming BioShock 4, or if it is... Death Stranding 2: On the Beach QR Code Displays Mysterious Prepper Shelter Video Out of nowhere, Kojima Productions teases something before the sequel's worldwide launch on June 26th for Play... View More

With so many AAA big-budget games and countless indie games across genres, it’s increasingly rare to see a AA game with a modest budget and scope break through and make waves in the industry. It’s even less common for that game to confidently and consistently emulate a series with the caliber of The Elder Scrolls. With Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon, though, developer Questlinehas built a tight, satisfying “Scrolls-like” that effectively captures so much of what makes its influences so great in the context of the dark fantasy Arthurian world of Tainted Grail. While it doesn’t always stray from its influences and is littered with technical issues big and small that frequently took me out of the experience, The Fall of Avalon brings its perilous world to life beautifully, with an impactful story and an expansive open world that show incredible potential for this world and genre. "The main campaign consists of a dozen or so missions, but it encourages you to explore and get stronger on your own between missions, both explicitly and by the fact that you will likely get pummeled by the first enemy you see in the next mission." But while the franchise is new to games, its systems are heavily inspired by existing, successful games, and it wears its influences squarely on its sleeve. The most notable is The Elder Scrolls, as the opening sequence could have been picked directly from a Scrolls game. You awaken as an unnamed prisoner in a jail cell you meet a mysterious figure who helps you escape and find out that you are a chosen one. In this case, you happen to house part of the soul of the long-dead King Arthur, and it’s your quest to collect the remainder of his soul from across the world of Avalon. It’s from here that you’re sent out into the open world to continue along that quest while finding tons of side quests, bounties, and errands to complete in the meantime. Narratively, The Fall of Avalon’s biggest strength is its characters, all of whom are well-written and well-acted. Your ability to talk to King Arthur and hear his perspectives gives a unique spin on a relatively familiar story, and most other characters, from Merlin to a generic shopkeep, will leave you with a memorable one-liner or story. The cast brings you deeper into the world and makes you want to learn more about what’s familiar in this version of the story and what’s changed, and even with the traditional deadpan stares these NPCs can have, they bring key moments to life. The visuals are less enticing and look somewhat dated, although cutscenes are "From a gameplay perspective, The Fall of Avalon is an unbridled western RPG that’s most similar to The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. " There are a few shocking moments that were direct results of my decisions, and it’s clear where you can have a major impact on the outcome of the world and its characters, such as a moment where I had to decide whether or not to carry about an assassination. By the end, the campaign isn’t revolutionary, especially for a game in this genre, but there are some exciting moments and a lot of potential replayability that I’m excited to explore. From a gameplay perspective, The Fall of Avalon is an unbridled western RPG that’s most similar to The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. You allocate points to various attributes, such as Strength, Endurance, and Dexterity, and your playstyle determines progress for the underlying stats, such as one-handed and two-handed weapons, light and heavy armor, and agility. There’s a ton to explore and find across the maps, particularly with caves and other dungeons scattered around the world, which give you better weapons, stronger magic, and new quests. You have a full suite of swords, bows, armor, magic, and other equipment, as well as your special abilities from King Arthur, and the game offers decent flexibility in making each different weapon feel satisfying and throwing different types of enemies at you that test your skills in different ways. both in the story and in the game. It features a full day-night cycle, and some nights become what’s called the Wyrdnight, meaning that a dangerous fog known as the Wyrd comes over the town and summons strong demons that you can either fight or avoid. Combat feels mostly satisfying, though it’s not always intuitive how to defeat certain enemies, and there are definitely moments where the game’s inherent wonkiness makes it more difficult to tell when an enemy is attacking. I always felt rewarded for exploring or going off the beaten path, though, and the game’s more forgiving encumbrance system and economy made it so that I always felt able to find new and improved gear. With all of this, this game often feels like a tighter version of a western RPG, but it takes influences elsewhere as well. Primarily, The Fall of Avalon may isn’t impossibly long at 25 hours or so to finish, but its structure gives you much more freedom in your progression. The main campaign consists of a dozen or so missions, but it encourages you to explore and get stronger on your own between missions, both explicitly and by the fact that you will likely get pummeled by the first enemy you see in the next mission. The difficulty spikes can be sudden, but the fact that there aren’t too many main quests means that they encourage you to explore and see the world at your own pace in order to level up through side quests or dungeons. The overall difficulty ramps up as you approach the end as well, and particular fights can be frustrating, but I never felt like any part of gameplay was unfair. "Unfortunately, what did mar my experience, and what matched the Elder Scrolls tradition, was the slew of technical issues I encountered playing on PS5." A day-one patch reportedly has smoothed out some of these issues, but it’s disappointing to see a game in Early Access for so long come out with these types of issues. Technical issues aside, Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon puts the AA spin on the classic formula of The Elder Scrolls, with its own twists and unique aspects. There is so much to do across the world of Avalon to learn about the dark history of King Arthur and everyone that surrounded him, and the overall narrative is surprisingly engaging for this setting. The freedom offered in gameplay is a refreshing touch that allows you freedom to see and explore the world and fight some terrifying enemies. While technical issues plague the experience, what’s underneath is an incredibly ambitious and generally well-executed transition into games for the Tainted Grail franchise, and it’s an exciting vision for what this franchise and genre can be.  This game was reviewed on the PlayStation 5.

texhnolyze Shinra Employee Member Oct 25, 2017 26,475 Indonesia About This GameDeveloper: Questline Publisher: Awaken Realms Genre: RPG / Action / Open World Platforms: PC (Steam), PS5, XBS Price: $44.99/43,99€ (Pricing varies by region and platform.) Release Date: May 23rd, 2025 Game Length: 50-70 hours 10/10 https://gamerant.com/tainted-grail-fall-of-avalon-review/ What makes The Fall of Avalon worth playing isn't just its reverence for classic RPGs, but how it reinterprets their ideas through a much darker lens. Questline's take on Arthurian myth is an intense and mature narrative, pulling players through a crumbling world where every choice feels like it might be the wrong one. There are lessons here, but more than anything, there's a story that feels like it was made for players who still crave consequence, immersion, and discovery in their RPGs. And while it might stumble in execution at times, it rarely loses sight of what it's trying to be. Click to expand... Click to shrink... 8/10 https://www.dualshockers.com/tainted-grail-the-fall-of-avalon-review/ Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon is an adventure to behold, especially for those who are fans of Oblivion and Skyrim. With endless build variety, a beautiful dark fantasy world, an interesting story, and satisfying combat that feels weighty, this game is a great choice for RPG enthusiasts. While the game can feel like it's still in early access in some ways, specifically with its enemy AI, outdated character models, and a world that can feel too empty in parts, none of these issues take away from what makes Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon so special. It's a project where passion is on full display and I can't wait to see what Questline does next. Click to expand... Click to shrink... 7/10 Tainted Grail: The Fall Of Avalon - Flawed In The Stone (Review) Tainted Grail: The Fall of AvalonReleased: May 23rd, 2025Developer: Awaken Realms, QuestlinePublisher: Awaken RealmsSystems: PC, PS5 (reviewed), Xbox Series Copy provided by publisherJohn Carpenter’s The Thing is one of my favorite movies, not least for the fascinating concept behind its titular... www.thejimquisition.com Perhaps it will be given the same grace (some early reviews have been quite positive). It's got less of a budget but a lot more heart than its "AAA" templates. It seems to be rooted in the archaic out of genuine love for the style as opposed to rote complacency, which counts for something. Given the size of the game relative to the size of the developer, it deserves to be called ambitious. As a result, I'm far more inclined toward leniency than I have been elsewhere. Plus, y'know, I had fun with it. Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon is doing its little best, and if Skyrim is a hallmark of roleplaying quality, then Tainted Grail's best has to be good enough. Click to expand... Click to shrink... 8.5/10 Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon | Recensione Ci siamo tuffati nelle leggende arturiane con la versione 1.0 di Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon: nella recensione vi raccontiamo com'è andata. www.spaziogames.it If it is true that Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon does not shine in its technical sector and is a bit of a set of successful ideas sewn in a new way, it is also true that succeeding in this operation was anything but trivial. The developers have never hidden their (illustrious) sources of inspiration, and have thus created a love letter for open-world role-playing games, declined in a successful and engaging dark fantasy atmosphere - capable of stealing the hearts of lovers of the genre and, why not, of approaching new ones. It took some time in early access to get to this result, but it was certainly worth it. Click to expand... Click to shrink... 8.5/10 Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon | Recensione | The Games Machine Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon è un RPG open world con combattimenti intensi, progressione libera e riscrittura cruda del mito di Re Artù. www.thegamesmachine.it The developers of Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon call it a love letter to open-world RPGs as if the game were just a tribute to the cornerstones of the genre such as Skyrim or Oblivion, when in reality we are faced with a production with great personality, spectacular from an artistic point of view and with a plot intricate enough to glue us to the monitor for a long time. The gameplay does not aim to revolutionize the genre, but offers everything you could want from a modern RPG, reinterpreting the story of King Arthur in a dark key full of exciting combat. Click to expand... Click to shrink... Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon Review in Progress - IGN So far this is a fun but familiar open-world RPG that reimagines Arthurian myth. www.ign.com Otherwise, a lot of the 5 hours I've played of Fall of Avalon so far has been spent exploring, accidentally picking up smut, talking to people, and so on. This is a pick up everything, speak to everybody, the world exists to be your playground kind of game, and if you've played The Elder Scrolls, you'll probably be right at home Click to expand... Click to shrink... 8/10 View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o03nU7pRdgY View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpoOeihKoZo View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UeASWY7m05I View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6ViWUExbDY I will add more when posted.  Last edited: 16 minutes ago MacheteSquadSteve Member Jan 6, 2025 285 there's a story that feels like it was made for players who still crave consequence, immersion, and discovery in their RPGs. Click to expand... Click to shrink... That's encouraging. I enjoyed the demo and already planned on checking this out at some point. I just don't have it in me to start another lengthy RPG.   TripleBee Prophet of Truth Member Oct 30, 2017 7,510 Canada Good reviews. Just wondering about performance on console really. I assume I should go PS5 pro over Series X, but also there's a bunch of visual sliders for quality - would be nice to have an idea of how stable it is in the bigger world.   Niosai One Winged Slayer Member Oct 28, 2017 5,235 This game's a ton of fun. I have a review in the works but I can say that if you have an Elder Scrolls itch, this game does a GREAT job scratching it.   ClayModel Member Oct 29, 2017 2,241 Decent reviews, the demo convinced me well enough to get to it one day.   Nameless Member Oct 25, 2017 17,262 I've been looking forward to this but I think I'll give them some patch time as post Early Access areas sound prone to broken side quests and such. Plus I'm still working my way through Oblivion + Clair Obscur, so it's probably not the best idea to bring a 60+ hour game into the mix.  Rhaknar Member Oct 26, 2017 51,799 do we know how much this is on console yet?   OP OP texhnolyze Shinra Employee Member Oct 25, 2017 26,475 Indonesia Review in progress. https://www.mmorpg.com/previews/the-rpg-files-tainted-grail-the-fall-of-avalon-review-in-progress-2000135010?amp=true Between the combat, enemy design, story, and draw to explore one more area, Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon has been a great early game experience. I do have two concerns that I will explore more in the final review. Something about the gameplay is missing polish in specific aspects; I can't quite put my finger on it yet. I don't know if it's just some of the timings for combat or a combination of minor things. Also, while the character skills look quite varied, I don't know how much depth they actually have or how engaging specializing in a particular weapon or magic will be. Click to expand... Click to shrink...   chainlinkspiral Member Oct 25, 2017 12,502 Pretty swell reviews! The board game is an all timer.   Buckle Member Oct 27, 2017 44,645 Niosai said: This game's a ton of fun. I have a review in the works but I can say that if you have an Elder Scrolls itch, this game does a GREAT job scratching it. Click to expand... Click to shrink... Is magic as fun to use as it was in Skyrim? I had a blast going double barreled flame throwers and necromancy. Thats all I need to know.  Oliver James Avenger Oct 25, 2017 9,832 Damn, I didn't know about this game. I will try and get this.   Gavalanche Prophet of Regret Member Oct 21, 2021 25,954 The reviews kind of remind me of Drova, which was my GOTY last year. This game feels right up my alley!! Too much shit to play but I will grab it anyway. Great year for RPG's.  skeezx Member Oct 27, 2017 23,777 enjoyed my time with it in early access awhile back. it undoubtedly felt early access though so i didn't invest too much time in it would like to fire it up but on the heels of Oblivion I'll probably burn out. maybe in a month or three  OP OP texhnolyze Shinra Employee Member Oct 25, 2017 26,475 Indonesia BassForever One Winged Slayer Member Oct 25, 2017 31,634 CT So is this a faithful adaptation of the board game or a game inspired by it's story/world?   FF Seraphim Member Oct 26, 2017 16,599 Tokyo Guys if you really love these types of games(oblivion, etc), pick this up. Incredible game. There is jank but it doesn't get in the way of the fun.   wasylycia Member Jan 11, 2024 65 character creator?   OP OP texhnolyze Shinra Employee Member Oct 25, 2017 26,475 Indonesia wasylycia said: character creator? Click to expand... Click to shrink... Yes, you create a custom character with their own backgrounds at the beginning. It's not very complex but it's there. View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fYEXo62eR0Q   Miracle Ache Member Oct 25, 2017 1,590 Enjoyed the demo so it's nice to see the game reviewing well.   carlsojo Shinra Employee Member Oct 28, 2017 37,589 San Francisco where the fuck did this game come from why are there so many games ;'(  Cyanity Member Oct 25, 2017 10,061 What is in the water this year??? I can't play all these games!!!   dreamfall Member Oct 25, 2017 7,366 I need it badly! I can not wait for the 1.0 release, it's going to be so good!   OP OP texhnolyze Shinra Employee Member Oct 25, 2017 26,475 Indonesia https://screenrant.com/tainted-grail-the-fall-of-avalon-review-in-progress/ For those who love dungeon-diving and grow weary of the cut-and-paste approach in these types of games, worry not, as all the interiors here have a noticeable maker's mark. The massive legacy dungeons like Sagremor's Keep are ostentatious centerpiece adventures, but even the many smaller caves and outposts bear their own quirks, surprises, and unique characters. Playing a massive open-world RPG that values its players' time investment is gratifying. I never roll my eyes at a cliché in Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon because it so frequently subverts them outright, nor do I ever fret over some daft resource-gathering distraction or unnecessary spot of padding. Even 40 hours in, it's been primarily killer over filler, so let's see what's yet to come in its endgame. Click to expand... Click to shrink... 7.5/10 Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon – Análise – Vale a Pena – Review Desenvolvido pela Awaken Realms, um estúdio polonês conhecido pelo trabalho com jogos de tabuleiro, Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon é uma adaptação criticalhits.com.br Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon is an open-world RPG inspired by Arthurian legends and influenced by games like The Elder Scrolls, bringing an engaging and original narrative. Despite the dated graphics and significant technical issues, such as frequent FPS drops and serious bugs at launch, the game stands out for immersive exploration, full of secrets and intriguing locations. With a well-constructed dark atmosphere and deep mechanics, it's a rewarding experience for fans of the genre who are willing to overlook these initial technical limitations. Click to expand... Click to shrink... 7.2/10 Tainted Grail: Fall of Avalon Review | A Worthy Alternative｜Game8 2025.05.22 Tainted Grail: Fall of Avalon is a new indie open-world RPG where you explore Avalon and shape its future in this dark reimagination. Read our review to see what it did well, what it didn't do well, and if it's worth buying. game8.co Tainted Grail: Fall of Avalon is an RPG to look out for. For $44.99, it's a steal for how much content there is in the game. The devs have spent the time and effort to make it as good as it is now, which is evident in the quality and quantity of the first two acts. However, it may take a bit more time for the third act to be polished, as the first two acts were available in early access and were tested for a longer time. Nevertheless, it's a game that we recommend if you're looking for an alternative to play besides Skyrim, Avowed, and Oblivion, as this game is a clear competitor in the same genre. Click to expand... Click to shrink...   Last edited: Today at 12:12 AM wasylycia Member Jan 11, 2024 65 texhnolyze said: Yes, you create a custom character with their own backgrounds at the beginning. It's not very complex but it's there. View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fYEXo62eR0Q Click to expand... Click to shrink... appreciate it! this is the most "what is this game" to "i want this day 1" feeling ive had in a long time lol. anyone able to get this on ps5 yet/know the release time? just seeing the demo  Elfgore Member Mar 2, 2020 5,221 Damn, those reviews are pretty solid. Looking forward to it!   OP OP texhnolyze Shinra Employee Member Oct 25, 2017 26,475 Indonesia wasylycia said: appreciate it! this is the most "what is this game" to "i want this day 1" feeling ive had in a long time lol. anyone able to get this on ps5 yet/know the release time? just seeing the demo Click to expand... Click to shrink... I think it will release at the same time everywhere, later today at 5pm CET.   Gavalanche Prophet of Regret Member Oct 21, 2021 25,954 This is where my boycott of xbox is paying off! I was really really wanting to play Oblivion, so now a weirder maybe more janky version has come out and I am not burnt out on Oblivion? Perfect.   SpellSwordFoxx Member Feb 27, 2025 446 yup, reviews convinced me. gonna jump in as a spellsword, as usual. maybe also try unarmed for the fun.  Puffins Member Nov 1, 2024 325 This sounds great. Liking the comparison to Elder Scrolls - did not expect that at all.   Yam's Member Oct 27, 2017 4,583 It seems like it may be worth waiting for a bit to give them time to polish it more, and maybe add a bit more content to the last area (even if the game is already quite long).   OP OP texhnolyze Shinra Employee Member Oct 25, 2017 26,475 Indonesia Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon Review – A Broken Masterpiece? When Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon first entered the conversation, it looked like just another attempt to ride Skyrim’s coattails. But beneath its rough edges lies a game that delivers a uniquely intense and atmospheric experience. It doesn’t pretend to be triple-A, nor does it need to. From... www.gamer.org Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon is not polished to perfection. Animations falter, systems sometimes clash, and bugs are part of the ride. But what it lacks in refinement, it makes up for in heart. This is a rare open-world RPG where discovery feels meaningful, combat feels dangerous, and the world itself tells a story through its decay. It's a rough gem—one that clearly comes from a smaller team with big ideas. If you can accept its quirks, you'll find something genuinely memorable beneath the jank. And for under $50, it delivers more than many full-priced RPGs released this year. Click to expand... Click to shrink... 7.8/10 Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon Review - GamersRD.com Aquellos jugadores que como yo, les gusta la fórmula The Elder Scrolls, o lo que es lo mismo, RPG de mundo abierto, tendrán en Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon un buen candidato. Es un título basado en un juego de mesa, desarrollado por el estudio con sede en Polonia, Awaken Realms, en el que […] gamersrd.com Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon is a title heavily inspired by the open worlds of The Elder Scrolls. It doesn't intend to reinvent the formula, but its setting inspired by the Arthurian legend and its freedom to build the character to our liking give it its own identity. The game shines more for its atmosphere, narrative and classic role-playing mechanics than for its graphic innovation, as some technical and visual aspects betray its modest origins. The leisurely progression, challenging combat and free exploration are its calling card, and it does not disappoint. It's not without its flaws, but these don't overshadow a rewarding experience for fans looking for something similar to TES/Fallout. If you're willing to forgive certain graphical limitations and a slower pace, Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon offers a dark, deep, and immersive journey. Click to expand... Click to shrink... 8.2/10 Análisis Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon, el ambicioso sucesor espiritual de Oblivion creado por un equipo independiente Análisis y opinión de Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon, un juego que rinde homenaje a clásicos como Skyrim con una aventura de proporciones épicas. www.hobbyconsolas.com In many fantasy RPGs, the story is a backdrop, a mere formality that serves to start the game. This is not the case with Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon, which articulates its plot with the suggestive universe created by Awaken Realms in its original board game. The "Indie Oblivion" is everything we can hope for, and even more. With nearly 100 hours of content, a variety of activities, a versatile combat system, and superb freedom, The Fall of Avalon is a must-have in the genre of RPGs in the style of The Elder Scrolls. Click to expand... Click to shrink... View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6ViWUExbDY   ProdigyZA Member Jun 9, 2024 1,523 Reviews are great, really seems like the main issue was the bugs, but the actual game is really well done and content rich and a must play for Elder Scrolls fans.   LifeInTheFactory Member Jun 3, 2018 591 London BassForever said: So is this a faithful adaptation of the board game or a game inspired by it's story/world? Click to expand... Click to shrink... It's a first person RPG similar to Elder Scrolls, so it's not an adaption of the board game. But I'm a little puzzled as well. Is there any review out that talks about how this exactly relates to the board game, aside from name and scenario? I haven't read all of them, but couldn't find anything about it by skimming through a few reviews.  Kalentan Member Oct 25, 2017 50,673 LifeInTheFactory said: It's a first person RPG similar to Elder Scrolls, so it's not an adaption of the board game. But I'm a little puzzled as well. Is there any review out that talks about how this exactly relates to the board game, aside from name and scenario? I haven't read all of them, but couldn't find anything about it by skimming through a few reviews. Click to expand... Click to shrink... Correct me if I'm wrong, but the previous game before this was Tainted Grail: Conquest in 2021 which was a Rogue-lite Deckbuilder that came out into Early Access 1 year after the board game released. This seems to be a follow up in some kind to that game? A google search indicates the creator of the board game did work with the studio on these, or at least on Conquest.  OP OP texhnolyze Shinra Employee Member Oct 25, 2017 26,475 Indonesia LifeInTheFactory said: It's a first person RPG similar to Elder Scrolls, so it's not an adaption of the board game. But I'm a little puzzled as well. Is there any review out that talks about how this exactly relates to the board game, aside from name and scenario? I haven't read all of them, but couldn't find anything about it by skimming through a few reviews. Click to expand... Click to shrink... Here's some bits from the hobbyconsolas review. Seems like a retelling of the same story with its own twist or some sort. If you're a fan of tabletop role-playing, you'll have recognized the history. It is the same plot as the board game created by Marcin Świerkot and Krzysztof Piskorski; in fact, much of the art of it, and even some cinematics, are extracted from that title. In many fantasy RPGs, the story is a backdrop, a mere formality that serves to start the game. This is not the case with Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon, which articulates its plot with the suggestive universe created by Awaken Realms in its original board game. Click to expand... Click to shrink...   Euler Member Oct 27, 2017 5,824 I really enjoy the vibes in the board game. Once I get some time I'll check this out.   Risev "This guy are sick" Member Oct 27, 2017 3,906 When does this release? Anyone got a timesheet for release hours?   weblaus Member Oct 27, 2017 1,062 TripleBee said: Good reviews. Just wondering about performance on console really. I assume I should go PS5 pro over Series X, but also there's a bunch of visual sliders for quality - would be nice to have an idea of how stable it is in the bigger world. Click to expand... Click to shrink... I haven't checked if they already have the planned updates out on consoles in the last few days, but in the original review copy state on both PS5 Pro and Series X the framerate had huge drops once you reach the first open world area and curiously especially in the first city (I stopped playing there for now) - really hope they can get that fixed as anyone who is somewhat sesitive to unstable framerates likely wouldn't much enjoy that.  Ganepark32 Member Nov 21, 2021 2,688 Risev said: When does this release? Anyone got a timesheet for release hours? Click to expand... Click to shrink... I believe it's releasing at 9am PST/12pm EST/5pm BST/6pm CEST. 8 hours, 11 minutes 

A few summers ago, when the culture was moving through micro trends as fast as they could be Instagrammed, Cottage Core was born. The trend, which came out of a Covid-influenced romanticism for living close to nature (but not ruffing it, à la gorpcore, fashion’s cousin trend), inspired an infusion of chintz and whicker-filled interiors, and, of course, lush English-style gardens.Flash forward to 2025. All those cottage gardens planted in early 2020—rustic, sophisticated, chic—are at their peak. And there really is something to an outdoor space that merges with the indoors, is there not? On a warm summer evening, when the bougainvillea is in bloom, and the grass is a bit damp, what could be more appealing than a home built to nestle into a fantastical garden.Here, we’ve collected some of our favorite cottage gardens. They range from fairy house gardens to campground landscape, historical (Anne Hathaway’s famed cottage that has inspired Shakespeare devotees the world over) to contemporary compound gardens in the woods.While we may have a specific notion of a cottage garden, but they are—and should be—as unique as the people who tend them. One lesson for planting your own? A small space is an asset rather than a limitation.Below, you’ll find 15 of our favorite cottage gardens from Marin County California to Stratford-Upon-Avon, England.William Jess LairdThis Amagansett cottage was literally designed for “summertime snoozes.” It’s also a good reminder that a delicate slate garden pathway can take you far. Designer Melissa Lee noted how “unexpected” the whole place felt, surrounded by the many mansions of the Hamptons. As she rightfully notes, the charm is in the surprise. A suggestion of mystery always adds to a cottage! Think The Secret Garden or the unexpectedly expansive Weasley Family home.Noe DewittVines climb up this 1920s English Art and Crafts style cottage in the Hamptons. The elegant and eclectic cottage was re-designed by Nick Olsen to emphasize outdoor living with comfy couches, a tiled patio and a pool.William James LairdThis pink cottage kitchen looks out over a garden in Litchfield County, Connecticut. Designer Clive Lonstein’s work is vibrant and unexpected, particularly for a modest Connecticut cottage built in the late 1800s. In a way though, the bright colors all throughout the house are a reflection of the original design for the house. The architect, Ehrick Rossiter was known for his own whimsy, and even included a turret in this design. This cottage is a great reminder to leave the door open all summer long.Stephen Kent JohnsonThis former fishing shack in Provincetown proves that a sprawling garden can fit into a small space. From Windex yellow fox gloves to arching lavender, this is a bucolic slice of heaven. A classic shingled home, complete with flower boxes and a white picket fence, it has a deeply cottage-core sequence backstory. It was used as an artist studio for William Maynard until his death in 2016, and when it was sold, prospective buyers were asked to write why they wanted to live there.Rachael SmithWe love an indoor / outdoor cottage garden. Ideally, you have a branch that grows through a window, like this one in Suzie de Rohan Willner’s English Country Garden. It is a charming marriage of dynamics: English and French, contemporary and historical, and, of course just as eclectic as a cottage should be. Willner notes, “The whole house is a collection of things from each period of my and my husband’s lives. I love to pick up bibs and bobs and it all comes together very happily.”Chronicle / Alamy Stock PhotoKate Middleton’s Adelaide Cottage conjures images of an Arthurian fantasy. The Wales family made this their Windsor home since 2023. Built in 1831 for Queen Adelaide (the German-born wife of William IV, who was the Uncle of Queen Victoria). It went through a transformative renovation in 2015 which left the historical decorations in tact. Fun fact: the Wales family pay market rent for their use of the home.Photo 12//Getty ImagesThe poet, actor, and playwright Anne Hathaway’s famed cottage and accompanying garden must have inspired her husband’s plays (that would be Shakespeare). This might be what comes to mind when you think of a cottage garden. Now open to the public daily, it was originally built more than 500 years ago, and is the site of Hathaway’s own birth in 1556.CostcoThis Costco (yes, Costco!) shed turned cottage is an ideal backdrop for your cottage garden fantasy. If you’re feeling very DIY this year, start here. Priced at $6,499, it measures 12’ x 24’ feet, a perfect amount of space for your own summer hide away or gardening shed.Richard PowersThis glass house is a reminder that a cottage garden doesn’t have to follow a prescribed style. The Amagansett cottage, originally built in 1960, is a marvel of mid-century design, an aesthetic reflected in the mod-furniture choices. Again, we love a stylistic mix in an updated cottage. Japanese Maple Trees complete the woodsy vibe.© David Hockney, Photo By Jonathan WilkinsonDavid Hockney illustrated his own cottage garden during the Pandemic. His drawing is illustrative of the benefits of an English garden: a bit wild, extremely lush, and more green than anything else. If we could, we’d jump right into this scene like Mary Poppins on a rainy day.John M. Hall for ELLE DecorHere’s a rule of thumb: trust Ina Garten. This cottage-like structure, on the grounds of the East Hampton home Garten shares with her husband Jeffrey, is perennially perfect. Note, too, the green and purple color scheme here. This is perhaps the dream cottage garden and something of a childhood playhouse. It has just enough space for a cozy chat and is a reminder that you can build your own little cottage on a very small plot of land.Photo 12//Getty ImagesMarie Antoinette’s Hamlet on the grounds of Versailles still sets the standard for the cottage garden with a thatched roof, hedges, and roses straight out of a fairy tale. During the former French Queen’s reign, her hamlet was used as a faux farm house, where she and her young daughter, Princess Marie Thérèse, would dress as idealized versions of French peasant farmers and milk cows. The interior, though, of this modest cottage, is appropriately grand with silk furnishings and canopy beds.Douglas FriedmanA garden that proves succulents and cottages are a match made in heaven. This one, in Marin County, California, adds a bit of desert flair. On the other side of this cottage is a water way and a perfect little dock for launching paddle boards. We love how the greens liven up this side of the house and create a completely different, almost modern desert-like, aesthetic. As with any great cottage garden, there is a distinctly transportive factor.Michael CliffordA light wood sauna and cold plunge on the grounds of Jenni Kayne’s Hudson Valley farmhouse are hidden behind shrubbery for a sense of privacy against a wide open landscape. We love the idea of adding a spa-like ambiance to a cottage garden as well as finding inventive ways to use the space. This is exactly where we want to be in the summer!Getty ImagesThis is sort of cheating, but Bunny Williams is a necessary inclusion! Williams’s Oak Spring Garden in Upperville, Virginia continues to inspire garden and cottage enthusiasts the world over. Rather than one cottage, the grounds of Williams’s large estate feature a guest cottage and a basket house, both of which are charming in the extreme.Dorothy ScarboroughDorothy Scarborough (she/her) is the assistant to the Editor in Chief of Town & Country and Elle Decor.